KOPRI

An Icebreaker has three traits that most regular ships lack, a strengthened hull, an ice-clearing shape and power to propell through the sea ice. This allows the vessel to navigate freely through ice-covered waters, clearing paths for other boats. The icebreaker is structurally stronger than normal ships with a thicker outer wall made of thick steel plating and a sloping bow to break and direct the broken ice around or under the vessel. Recently, for environmental safety and protection it is mandatory to design the vessel with a double hull. The icebreaker rises above the ice sheet and breaks the ice using the weight of the ship, so it needs to change its center of gravity effortlessly. If the hull completely rises above the ice, there is a risk of being stuck in the ice. Therefore, an ice knife prevents the vessel from fully rising above the ice. Also, to prevent broken pieces of ice from crashing into the vessel, water or air is sprayed on to the hull. It is essential for an icebreaker to propel itself through the ice by breaking it and clearing away the debris from its paths.

The design and scale of the ship is determined by the purpose, function, number of crew, equipment, navigation area, safety regulations and icebreaking ability. The final scale and design is determined after various simulation tests that include a pilot test, resisitance propulsion, and ice breaking capability. Based on these tests, construction begins after the designing is complete. Although the icebreaker construction goes through rigorous testing, it is still necessary to acquire information regarding ice conditions and drift ice when navigating in the polar regions. To avoide thick ice zones and to navigate through areas of broken or relatively thin ice, the ship gathers information via satellite or helicopter scouting.